Why double coats shed so much
Huskies, golden retrievers, German shepherds, corgis, and Aussies all share the same setup: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a coarser topcoat on top. Twice a year that undercoat "blows" — releasing in clumps — and the rest of the year it sheds steadily onto your floors, couch, and clothes.
Here's the mistake most owners make: they reach for a slicker brush or a razor-style deshedder that cuts the coat. On a double coat, cutting the topcoat ruins the texture and insulation, and it grows back patchy. You want to pull the loose undercoat out — not shave it off.
The safe way to deshed at home
- Start with a dry, brushed-out coat. Deshedding works best on clean, tangle-free fur. Work out any mats first.
- Use an undercoat rake, not a blade. A rake reaches past the topcoat and lifts the loose undercoat without slicing anything. Our Deshedding & Dematting Brush uses a 17-tooth rake designed exactly for this.
- Brush in the direction of hair growth, in short sections, with light pressure. Let the tool do the work — don't dig into the skin.
- Do it before shedding season, then a few times a week. Consistency beats one marathon session.
How often?
For most double coats: 2–3 times a week normally, and daily during the spring and fall blowouts. Ten minutes at a time is plenty.
The bottom line: deshedding a double coat is about pulling the undercoat — gently and often. The right rake makes it fast and even soothing for your dog. See the Deshedding & Dematting Brush →